The Indian car market is witnessing a surge in demand for automatic transmission (AT) cars. This is driven by increasing traffic congestion in major cities, a growing preference for convenience and a desire for a more relaxed driving experience. As a result, several car manufacturers are planning to launch new models with AT options in 2017. Heres a look at some of the most anticipated upcoming automatic transmission cars in India⁚
Honda City
The Honda City is one of the best-selling sedans in India. The 2017 model is expected to get a new 1.5-litre diesel engine with an automatic gearbox option. This will make the City even more appealing to buyers looking for a fuel-efficient and comfortable car.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is another popular hatchback in India. The 2017 Baleno is expected to get a new 1.0-litre Boosterjet petrol engine with an automatic gearbox option. This engine is more powerful and fuel-efficient than the current 1.2-litre petrol engine, making it a compelling option for buyers looking for a sporty and economical hatchback.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is a popular mid-size sedan in India. The 2017 Elantra is expected to get a new 1.6-litre diesel engine with an automatic gearbox option. This will make the Elantra even more competitive in the segment against rivals like the Honda City and Toyota Corolla Altis.
Toyota Corolla Altis
The Toyota Corolla Altis is a popular mid-size sedan in India. The 2017 Corolla Altis is expected to get a new 1.8-litre petrol engine with an automatic gearbox option. This engine is more powerful and fuel-efficient than the current 1.8-litre petrol engine, making it a compelling option for buyers looking for a comfortable and powerful sedan.
Renault Duster
The Renault Duster is a popular compact SUV in India. The 2017 Duster is expected to get a new 1.5-litre diesel engine with an automatic gearbox option. This will make the Duster even more competitive in the segment against rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Mahindra Scorpio.
Mahindra Scorpio
The Mahindra Scorpio is a popular SUV in India. The 2017 Scorpio is expected to get a new 2.2-litre diesel engine with an automatic gearbox option. This engine is more powerful and fuel-efficient than the current 2.2-litre diesel engine, making it a compelling option for buyers looking for a rugged and powerful SUV.
Conclusion
The Indian car market is evolving rapidly, and the demand for automatic transmission cars is only going to increase in the coming years. The cars listed above are just a few of the many new models that are expected to be launched with AT options in 2017. With so many options available, buyers will have a wide range of choices to choose from.
Other Notable Mentions
While the models listed above are likely to generate the most buzz, there are several other cars that are expected to receive automatic transmission options in 2017. These include⁚
- Tata Nexon⁚ This compact SUV is expected to get an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) option, making it more affordable and accessible to a wider range of buyers.
- Maruti Suzuki Swift⁚ The popular hatchback is likely to receive an AMT option, increasing its appeal to city dwellers who value convenience.
- Honda Amaze⁚ This compact sedan is expected to get an automatic transmission option, making it more competitive against rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Hyundai Xcent.
- Volkswagen Polo⁚ The popular hatchback could get an automatic transmission option, making it a more desirable choice for buyers looking for a stylish and refined car.
- Skoda Rapid⁚ The mid-size sedan is expected to receive an automatic transmission option, making it more appealing to buyers looking for a spacious and feature-rich car.
Factors Influencing the Rise of Automatic Transmissions
Several factors are driving the increasing popularity of automatic transmission cars in India⁚
- Traffic Congestion⁚ The increasing number of vehicles on Indian roads has resulted in heavy traffic congestion in major cities. Automatic transmissions offer a more relaxed driving experience in stop-and-go traffic, reducing driver fatigue.
- Technological Advancements⁚ Automatic transmissions have become more efficient and affordable in recent years. Modern ATs offer smoother gear shifts and better fuel efficiency than older models.
- Shifting Consumer Preferences⁚ Indian buyers are increasingly seeking convenience and comfort in their vehicles. Automatic transmissions align perfectly with these preferences, offering a more effortless driving experience.
The Future of Automatic Transmissions in India
The trend towards automatic transmission cars is likely to continue in India. With rising incomes and a growing urban population, more and more buyers are willing to pay a premium for the convenience and comfort that ATs offer. Car manufacturers are responding by introducing new models with automatic transmission options across different segments, making them accessible to a wider audience. The future of automatic transmissions in India looks bright, with a continued shift away from manual transmissions towards a more automated driving experience.